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Fans become part of the action at this track meet

By David Woodsdavid.woods@indystar.com
11:55 p.m. EDT May 2, 2014

Pole vaulter Jordan Scott blows on his hands to try and keep things warmed up on a cold night. The American Track League debuted at the Indiana University track facility in Bloomington Friday May 2, 2014.

BLOOMINGTON – Lolo has her own version of the Lambeau Leap.

Just as the Green Bay Packers jump into the stands after a touchdown, Lolo Jones swept down the rail at Indiana University's track, slapping hands with fans. Not that they were content to stay seated. They swarmed the 31-year-old hurdler, who surely set a world record for selfie poses.

Isn't that a no-no? Fans on the field?

Not in the American Track League. The eight-meet series that debuted Friday night is fan-friendly. Besides the presence of a live band and cheerleaders, the meet strayed from convention by allowing fans to leave the stands, lining the pole vault runway and high jump apron.

Paul Doyle, the Georgia-based agent who organized the series, insisted there were 2,500 in attendance, although there appeared to be fewer than 1,000. Nonetheless, the format was popular with athletes and spectators.

Lolo Jones talks about her win and the new American Track League.
David Woods / The Star

"I'm thrilled to be in this environment. I love it," said Jones, who, like other elite athletes, competes overseas for most of the season.

The crowd was thrilled to see her win in 12.89 seconds. The time was unspectacular. But all things considered — the 52-degree temperature, bobsled training for the Winter Olympics and entangling of arms at the eighth hurdle — Jones was satisfied.

"Any time you can walk away in this cold weather healthy, it is a win," she said.

There were two performances that lead the world early in this outdoor season: 18 feet, 8 ¾ inches in the pole vault by Mark Hollis and 8 minutes, 33.89 seconds in the 3,000-meter steeplechase by De'Sean Turner, a Warren Central and IU graduate.

Hollis' jump also set a Billy Hayes Track record.

"I was just feeding off the energy of the crowd," Hollis said. "They pushed me down the runway and up in the air."

Turner, who represented Team USA in last year's World Championships in Moscow, was coming off high-altitude training at Flagstaff, Ariz. He, too, endorsed the league's format.

De'Sean Turner talks about his steeplchase time, which is fastest in the world this year.
David Woods / The Star

"Now, all they have to do is build on it and make it more popular and market it well," Turner said. "So I think they've got a good prototype and will be able to make it something special for years to come."

Although this meet is set up for pro athletes, collegians were also permitted. One, IU junior Rorey Hunter, shocked the pros and won the 1,500 meters in 3:40.36 — No. 2 in the NCAA this year and equivalent to a 3:58 mile.

Doyle said he was satisfied with the league's debut but that kinks need to be resolved to make the meets suitable for live television.

"The feedback we've gotten has been incredible," he said. "I can't tell you the number of people who have just come up to me and thanked for this and said, 'This is great. This is what the sport needs.' "

Sprinter could lose medal

Trell Kimmons, who was third in the 100 in 10.51, could lose the silver medal he won in the 400-meter relay at the London Olympics. Also on that team was Tyson Gay, who accepted a doping ban Friday and had his results nullified subsequent to July 15, 2012. Gay handed over his silver medal to the U.S. Olympic Committee.

Kimmons, who hadn't heard about the ban, said he is a friend of Gay but hasn't spoken to him since last year's USA Championships. If the International Olympic Committee follows precedent, all runners on that relay team will be stripped of their medals.

"If it comes to that point to give that medal up, I can't speak for the rest of the guys, but I would give mine up," Kimmons said.

Fans in the stands came down to get timed in the 40-meters. The fastest won a place in the 100-meter finals against the professionals. Running here is Mike Solberg, Park Ridge, IL. The American Track League debuted at the Indiana University track facility in Bloomington Friday May 2, 2014.
Rob Geobel/ The Star

Fans in the stands came down to get timed in the 40-meters. The fastest won a place in the 100-meter finals against the professionals. The fastest was this guy, Kristopher Jenkins, 25, Greenwood who ran a 4.42. The American Track League debuted at the Indiana University track facility in Bloomington Friday May 2, 2014.
Rob Geobel/ The Star

Fans in the stands came down to get timed in the 40-meters. The fastest won a place in the 100-meter finals against the professionals. Giving it a go in flip flops is Ben Borders, 21, Avon who ran it in 5.6 seconds. The American Track League debuted at the Indiana University track facility in Bloomington Friday May 2, 2014.
Rob Geobel/ The Star

Pole vaulter Jordan Scott blows on his hands to try and keep things warmed up on a cold night. The American Track League debuted at the Indiana University track facility in Bloomington Friday May 2, 2014.
Rob Geobel/ The Star

Mark Hollis slaps hands with fans after clearning the bar in the pole vault. The American Track League debuted at the Indiana University track facility in Bloomington Friday May 2, 2014.
Rob Geobel/ The Star

Fans were invited to come out of the stands and get up close to athletes as they competed. The American Track League debuted at the Indiana University track facility in Bloomington Friday May 2, 2014.
Rob Geobel/ The Star

A high jumper makes an attempt under the lights during the evening event. The American Track League debuted at the Indiana University track facility in Bloomington Friday May 2, 2014.
Rob Geobel/ The Star

Fans line up next to the high jump area for a close look at the action. The American Track League debuted at the Indiana University track facility in Bloomington Friday May 2, 2014.
Rob Geobel/ The Star

De'Sean Turner had an American best time for the year with a 8:33.79 in the 3000-meter steeplechase. The American Track League debuted at the Indiana University track facility in Bloomington Friday May 2, 2014.
Rob Geobel/ The Star

Keshia Baker-Kirtz, an Olympian, gets off to a fast start in the 400-meters. The American Track League debuted at the Indiana University track facility in Bloomington Friday May 2, 2014.
Rob Geobel/ The Star